Pune Sees 40% Surge in Water Tanker Demand Amid Rising Temperatures and Acute Shortage in Merged Villages
Pune Sees 40% Surge in Water Tanker Demand Amid Rising Temperatures and Acute Shortage in Merged Villages
PUNE: As Pune continues to reel under a scorching summer, the demand for water tankers has surged significantly, particularly in the newly merged villages under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). These areas are grappling with severe water shortages, pointing to a deepening water crisis across the city.
According to data released by the PMC, water tanker trips between January and March have been increasing consistently over the last four years. The number rose from 81,361 trips in 2021-22 to 87,420 in 2022-23, 104,830 in 2023-24, and now stands at 126,110 trips for the same period in 2024-25 — a nearly 55% increase in just four years as reported by Hindustan Times.
Merged Villages Struggle for Basic Supply
Of the 34 villages merged with the PMC since 2017, the highest demand for tankers is being reported from these localities. While the initial population estimate for these areas was 11.14 lakh, a recent study has projected it to swell to 18.11 lakh by next year, placing further strain on the city’s limited water infrastructure.
Although the PMC claims to have set up water supply networks in 11 villages — including Dhayari, Nanded, Nandoshi, Dhawade, Uruli Devachi, Phursungi, Mundhwa, Keshav Nagar, and Manjari — ground reports reveal ongoing dependence on water tankers due to delayed or incomplete pipeline projects.
“Residents in these newly merged villages are still largely reliant on tanker water. Infrastructure work has begun, but it will take time to be fully operational,” said Prasanna Joshi, superintendent engineer of the PMC water supply department.
Soaring Tanker Costs Burn a Hole in Pockets
Adding to residents’ woes is the sharp rise in water tanker charges. A typical tanker carrying potable and borewell mixed water, which earlier cost ₹800, is now priced between ₹1,800 to ₹2,500, depending on the source and urgency.
“We need around 75 tankers every month in our society. Only 15 are provided free by the PMC; the rest are privately sourced and paid for, which is financially draining,” said Dilip Shelke, a resident of Vasant Vihar Society in Keshav Nagar.
A senior PMC official, requesting anonymity, added, “The PMC sells 10,000 litres of tanker water for ₹666, but private suppliers charge ₹1,500 to ₹1,700 due to rising fuel and operational costs.”
35% Water Leakage Still Unchecked
The crisis is further compounded by massive water losses — an estimated 35% — due to leakages in both core and peripheral areas. Out of 141 identified zones, leakage detection and repairs have only been completed in 50 so far.
Despite improved water management in areas like Baner, Balewadi, and Pashan, supply gaps in merged villages have led to a 40% spike in tanker demand over the previous year, PMC officials confirmed.
